Leading global Financial Planning figures Financial Planners Elaine Bedel CFP, Kevin R Keller CAE, Tim Kochis CFP and Ulf Mannhardt CFP have been awarded the 2024 FPSB Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession.

The awards were presented at the professional body’s 20^th anniversary celebration in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this evening.

The awards recognise commitment to advancing the global Financial Planning profession and CFP certification through leadership, advocacy and volunteer efforts.

There are a total of 223,770 Certified Financial Planners around the globe (as of December 2023) with the numbers continuing to grow.

The FPSB Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession was added last year by the professional body to recognise individuals for their contributions to the profession. It is named after long-serving FPSB CEO Noel May who retired recently.

The Denver-based Financial Planning Standards Board provides the global standards for the Certified Financial Planner designation, which is awarded in the UK by the CISI. 

Elaine Bedel was instrumental in shaping the organization’s early years. As a key volunteer and personal financial guarantor during FPSB’s formation, the FPSB said her commitment ensured FPSB would start its journey with a solid foundation. Ms Bedel held several leadership positions, including chairing the board of directors, where her critical thinking and tenacity laid the groundwork for FPSB’s future growth and success.

As CEO of CFP Board (US) since 2007, Kevin Keller has been a leader within the FPSB network, serving in many roles including chairperson of the FPSB chief executive's committee. Under his leadership, the US certified its 100,000th CFP professional this year, marking a significant milestone. Mr Keller has championed key initiatives, including the launch of CFP board’s first major public awareness campaign to increase awareness of CFP professionals and foster a more diverse and sustainable workforce.

Tim Kochis was a key architect in the establishment of FPSB, laying the foundation for its global success. As a volunteer leader and financial guarantor during its formation, Mr Kochis helped to shape FPSB’s direction and future. His leadership as chairperson of both the International CFP Council and FPSB’s board of directors, as well as his pivotal role in the transferring of the international CFP marks to FPSB, were critical in taking CFP certification worldwide and the growth of the profession globally.

Ulf Mannhardt has been a key figure in advancing the global Financial Planning profession. Since FPSB’s inception, he has held numerous leadership roles, including chairperson of the FPSB Council and Member Advisory Group. As co-founder of IBCPF, now Planejar, his work has significantly contributed to the growth of CFP professionals in Brazil and worldwide, the FPSB said.

Nominees for the award must be individuals who have been instrumental in advancing the global Financial Planning profession and CFP certification.

Nominations for next year’s award will open in early 2025.